Amsterdam is a beautiful city located in the northwestern region of the Netherlands. Like every other city in the world, Amsterdam has features that stand out. The city is remarkable for its memorable canals surrounded by beautiful buildings, bustling streets, historic sites, and several restaurants serving international cuisine.
Walking on the streets of this city brings tourists unparalleled serenity, especially in the mornings and late evenings. What’s really interesting is that the city center isn’t so big and you can complete a tour of it on foot in 30-40 minutes.
So if you’re packed for your trip to Amsterdam and have planned an itinerary, especially as a first timer, this blog will provide you with details on the best places to stay in Amsterdam, including the best historical sites and museums, shopping and dining options, nightlife and entertainment, sightseeing, and some of the best hotels to stay in.
Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam
Picking the right place to stay in Amsterdam can be quite stressful. As a tourist, you perhaps don’t want to end up in the noisy Red Light District or find yourself commuting long distances just to get to your sightseeing destinations.
Also, it is noteworthy that accommodation in Amsterdam is scarce and pricey. Airbnb and privately rented short-stay accommodation options are really limited due to stringent regulations that only allow locals to rent out private properties or homes for a maximum of 30 days per year.
If you’d like your trip to Amsterdam to be hassle free and more enjoyable, booking ahead might be your best option. As soon as you become aware of your flight date, you can book a hotel or hostel in the city; they’re more reliable options and won’t cancel on you last-minute.
Many hotels advertise lower prices if you book directly with them, but won’t tell you there’s an additional 7% tax plus 3 euros per night tourist tax (for each person) to be charged at check out. You don’t have to worry about finding the right places as booking.com is native to Amsterdam and has its headquarters in the city.
Now, let’s get to the crux of our discussion: the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Here are some of the best picks:
1. Historic Center near Central Station
This destination is highly recommended for short stays, sightseeing, and exciting day trips that allow you to experience life in the city. You will also find both luxury and affordable hotel options, or even simple hostels with shared facilities. This part of the city is nestled at the edge of the historic old center and is a short distance from most of the main attractions here. It’s the ideal destination for a first and short stay in Amsterdam.
Why is this one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands? This destination is just perfect for daytime tourism and most guided tours to the countryside start near this location. It’s an epicenter that draws literally everything and every tourist to itself.
A good neighborhood to stay is the historic center around Damrak. It has a lot of attractions and accommodations for both luxury and budget travelers.
Further east of the Central Station, you’ll find the city’s Red Light District (an epicenter of entertainment) and Chinatown (a place with lots of good accommodation options). For those looking for a short and memorable experience in Amsterdam, the historic center provides an excellent opportunity to explore some of the city’s finest attractions.
Here are some of the top hotels in Amsterdam within a short walking distance (5 minutes) to stay if you find yourself in the mesmerizing historic center:
- NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace (Pricey)
- Park Plaza Victoria (Pricey)
- Hotel Mai (Pricey)
- THIS HO(S)TEL or The Flying Pig Downtown (Budget)
- A-Train Hotel (Budget)
2. Dam Square
Dam Square is the most centrally located destination in Amsterdam — a short distance from everything. This destination is all-inclusive and perfect for shopping, museums and cultural attractions, and sightseeing. Tourists can also stay here even if they wish to tour outside the city. For travelers who love to be right where it’s all happening, Dam Square is the place for you to be.
Dam Square is home to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace, and the area around this neighborhood is the very heart of Amsterdam. Located 10 minutes from the Central Station and 20 minutes from the Museum District by foot, a few blocks to the east lies the Red Light District, and the really popular 9 Streets area nestled around the nicest canals to its west — you can imagine being at the very center of it all!
It’s a destination with several attractions just a few minutes away on foot. Dam Square also houses the biggest shopping centers, department stores, and the main shopping streets of Amsterdam. Staying in this location is not cheap, particularly with its abundance of luxury hotels. However, you can find some budget accommodations for your stay.
Here are some top hotel recommendations to answer your question of “where to stay in Amsterdam” if you find yourself in Dam Square:
- Hotel TwentySeven — Small Luxury Hotels of the World (the name gives it away — pricey)
- Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (Pricey)
- Swissotel Amsterdam (Pricey)
- Best Western Dam Square Inn (Not too pricey)
- Rho Hotel (Budget)
3. De Negen Straatjes/ The Nine Streets
One of the most enchanting canal neighborhoods in Amsterdam, the famous Nine Streets is perfect for romantic getaways and sightseeing itineraries, shopping, and dining. With highly animated streets lined with boutiques, small local restaurants, and accommodations in the upper-mid price range, this destination is extremely popular among locals and tourists alike.
For a charming stay with great views of the streets, you can book apartments or hotels overlooking the canals. The atmosphere is special and very romantic with lots of great places to explore. The Nine Streets is located quite centrally and is comparable to Dam Square (only quieter and more relaxed). It’s just 15-20 minutes by foot from Central Station in the north and the Museum District to its south.
Being one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam, the Nine Streets has a lot of luxury and budget accommodations. Here are a few to check out:
- The Dylan Amsterdam — The Leading Hotels of the World (Pricey)
- Pulitzer Amsterdam (Pricey)
- The Hoxton (Pricey)
- Hotel Estheréa — one of the most popular hotels in the area (Not so pricey)
- Hotel Clemens (Budget)
4. Southern Canal Belt — Rembrandt Square
Grachtengordel, located on the southern part of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, is another cool destination perfect for dining and sightseeing activities.
Near where the Amstel River meets the oldest canals, the neighborhood around Rembrandtplein is one of the most prestigious places to stay at. This location is right in the heart of the highly sought-after canal district and in proximity to numerous attractions. It’s also home to some of the oldest and most exclusive hotels in Amsterdam.
Rembrandt Square is less than a 20-minute walk from neighborhoods in the city center and offers easy access to top accommodations, gourmet restaurants, and has an animated atmosphere perfectly suited for tourism.
Some top rated hotels in this area include:
- Waldorf Astoria — the most expensive hotel in Amsterdam
- Tivoli Doelen — Amsterdam’s oldest hotel (Pricey)
- NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market (Pricey)
- Eden Hotel Amsterdam (Budget friendly)
- Hotel Amstelzicht (Budget)
5. Leidseplein (Leiden Square)
You can’t talk about Amsterdam and leave out Leiden Square. It’s the city’s center of entertainment and nightlife.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and one of the items on your bucket list is to experience the nightlife, then you’ve got to find your way to Leiden Square. It’s one of the liveliest parts of central Amsterdam and is home to an array of restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues, and museums.
Let’s shift the focus to entertainment and nightlife a bit. Leidseplein is equally home to the City Theater and the DeLaMar Theater is just some minutes away. Paradiso and Melkweg are famous live music venues that line the neighborhood as well. Amsterdam’s largest casino is nestled here too — is there anything else you might need? Perhaps not.
Leiden Square also has some popular hotels for both luxury and budget travelers. It’s within a short distance from the Museum District, Vondelpark, Rembrandt Square or the Nine Streets.
Some of the best places to stay in Amsterdam in this area are:
- Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam (Pricey)
- Kristotel (Not so pricey)
- Hotel van de Vijsel (Budget)
- Hans Brinker Hostel (Budget)
6. Museum Square (Museumplein)
Amsterdam’s Museum District is one of the quietest places in the city center. A great cultural attraction, the area features some of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, like Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. Other museums include Moco, Diamond, Stedelijk, and the city’s Concert Hall.
One of the city’s biggest parks, Vondelpark, is also in this area. Heineken’s iconic brewery is a short distance away on foot. Some residential areas with bustling outdoor markets like De Pijn are also perfect for a daytime tour.
A consequence of the peace and quiet the Museum District enjoys is how further away it is from other destinations. If you walk, it’s about 30-40 minutes from the Central Station and 10 minutes if you hitch a tram ride.
Popular hotels to stay at include:
- Park Centraal Amsterdam (Pricey)
- Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel (Pricey)
- Hotel Van Gogh (Budget)
- The Flying Pig Uptown (Budget)
7. Jordaan
If you’re a tourist looking to explore the more authentic vibe in Amsterdam, Jordaan is a good addition to your bucket list.
It’s a residential neighborhood located near everything you might need during your stay — from restaurants, cafes, hotels. Although it is far from the main tourist attractions in the city, it’s serene and offers a perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
Jordaan is located southwest of the Central Station (about 10-20 minutes walk) and only some minutes from the busiest places in Amsterdam’s old city center. There are only a handful of hotels, numerous B&Bs, and few privately-rented accommodations.
The best hotels in Amsterdam’s Jordaan area are quite pricey. Some include:
- Mr Jordaan
- Linden Hotel
- Adam Suites
8. North Riverside & Eastern Docklands
This is a great location for people looking to explore the contemporary and upcoming part of Amsterdam. It’s a rapidly developing area and is near the city’s historic center. North Riverside is a rapidly growing residential neighborhood just across the IJ River north of the historic old town. Eastern Docklands is situated near the city center.
If you’re looking to explore the modern and calm side of Amsterdam, these locations are a good choice. There are few restaurants and other attractions to enjoy.
Best hotels in the area include:
- Double Tree by Hilton (Pricey)
- Mövenpick (Pricey)
- Holiday Inn Express (Pricey)
- YOTEL Amsterdam (Budget)
- ClinkNOORD Hostel (Budget)
To Conclude,
Amsterdam has a lot of unique attractions and a calm atmosphere. There are picturesque views, restaurants, hotels, and several others. The best place to stay in Amsterdam for first-time travelers is the city center. Amsterdam is a compact and walkable city, and you can easily plan your itinerary.
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